VANDERDEKEN'S CHILDREN

A mysterious disturbance in the hyperspatial vortex causes the Doctor and Sam to materialise the TARDIS in deep space. Here they find that a huge derelict alien craft has become the subject of a dangerous confrontation between starships from the rival systems of Nimos and Emindar. At the centre of the dispute is a ruthless politician with secrets of his own - a man who is willing to risk innocent lives to claim the derelict for himself.

While the Doctor and Sam find themselves accompanying an expedition into the heart of the alien vessel, strange and frightening incidents spread terror through the watching ships. But exploring deeper into the derelict disturbs a sinister presence and takes the expedition towards the inevitable confrontation with fate - and perhaps beyond the boundaries of life itself...

This is another in the the series of adventures featuring the Eighth Doctor and Sam.

MY REVIEW.

Doctor Who: Vanderdeken’s Children by Christopher Bulis.

BBC Books, ISBN: 0 563 40590 2

Despite resembling recent films such as “Event Horizon” and “Sphere”, not to mention the recent Babylon 5 adventure “Thirdspace” this book explores its central ideas well. The descriptions of the derelict are well written and atmospheric, as is the plot, which unfolds effectively, but predictably. The more complex components of the book are well thought out, although the complicated nature of temporal science sometimes means some passages require several readings. The scenes concerning the alien keypad (thoughtfully reproduced at the front of the book) highlight the innovation of the author. The pairing of the Eighth Doctor and Sam once again proves to be a highlight. The Time Lord nudging people in the right direction with carefully placed words, while his companion states blatantly what she thinks. The other characters are made more real by their dilemma, where their hopes and fears are literally personified. The sub-plot involving a man trapped in an unhappy marriage is an effective counterpoint to the tragedy consuming those on the ships. The description, the intricacy of the plot and the characterisation of the Doctor makes “Vanderdeken’s Children” an enjoyable read, tempered only by the familiarity of the central idea.

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